Speaking From Experience...

This brief is based on the idea of giving advice to the next batch of first years, based on my own experience of the first year.

This should be a reflective and enjoyable brief, and should help the first years transition more welcoming.

To help kick start the process, I came up with 5 concepts, and with the help of a partner, Elliot, he helped me pick my better ideas and produce a rationale for 2 of these ideas.

CONCEPT 1:

Being in the studios.

IDEAS:

- Crits - how to constructively criticise and receive feedback.

- General behaviour - tidying up after yourself, and being careful around others work.

- Punctuality - arriving prepared, signing in on time and general studio presence.

- Bringing correct equipment to appropriate sessions.

- Not abusing the computers e.g. Facebook, when others may need the computers.

RESEARCH:

- College rules.

- Studio rules.

- Handbook - Graphic Design.

- Experiences - from the tutors and students.

RESOLUTION:

- 'Fun' college handbook with rules and anecdotes - pocket sized for mobility.

- Large posters for the studios and mac suites.

+ Relevant problem, especially guidance on crits.

- Handbook already exists, in a very informative electronic format.

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CONCEPT 2:

Managing time appropriately.

IDEAS:

- Working out how many hours you could afford to work.

- How to manage time - charts, timetables etc.

- What is 'time wasting'.

- Finding the balance.

- When to switch off e.g. sleep

RESEARCH:

- Different methods of managing time, in projects and in general.

- Appropriate jobs to have while at uni.

- Ways of prioritising.

RESOLUTION:

- Time sheets - example and blank.

- Poster - for the studio space and own room.

- Book - hints and tips.

+ Always an issue with students.

- Resolutions are weak.

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CONCEPT 3:

Living away from home for the first time.

IDEAS:

- How to eat healthily.

- Learning to cook.

- Using/buying cleaning products.

- Meeting new house mates.

- Keeping valuables safe.

RESEARCH:

- Different methods of managing time, in projects and in general.

- Appropriate jobs to have while at uni.

- Ways of prioritising.

RESOLUTION:

- Student cookbooks - ideas/format.

- Cleaning products.

- Student experience - stories.

+ An issue for a lot of students, and there are a broader range of resolutions than previous.

- Resolutions are probably too broad.

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CONCEPT 4:

Dealing with money.

IDEAS:

- Information on applying for hardship fund in times of financial crisis.

- Spending money wisely.

- What to do when your loan isn't paid in on time.

- Finding a job to earn extra money.

RESEARCH:

- College hardship funds - criteria.

- Money guides - students, like The Surgery on Radio 1.

- Typical student jobs.

- Finding out what students spend money on.

RESOLUTION:

- Wallet sized cards - tips, bank numbers, student finance.

- Forum - student advice.

- Set of interactive leaflets.

+ Problem for vast moajority of students at some point whether it's through fault of their own or not.

- Resolutions are lacking.

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CONCEPT 5:

Making good use of trip week - finding inpsiration and relaxing.

IDEAS:

- Visiting interesting cities e.g. London.

- Visiting galleries.

- Attending talks by Graphic Designers.

- Visiting Grapic Design agencies.

- Exhibitions e.g. Art In Unusual Spaces.

RESEARCH:

- Cities of interest - mainly UK for practicality and cost.

- Galleries.

- Exhibitions in February 2011 - what part of Graphics is it appropriate to?

- Graphic Design practices/studios in Leeds.

RESOLUTION:

- Pocket guide to Graphic Design in Leeds/London - featuring galleries, studios, exhibitions and talks.

- A set of postcards - photos and information, mini map.

- DVD with interactive map, buttons on specific areas which will lead to informative videos.

- Blogs - trips and meetings.

+ Large range of potential resolutions and a problem experienced by many, and also by myself.

- An issue I may encounter is collecting information on events in February 2011.

What Is A Line...Photoshoot

After my tutorial with Amber, she said I needed to actually go out there and take photos, as a lot of the ones I had, were of pre-existing objects, such as art work and posters. The photos won't be dismissed completely as they are examples of line, and formations of objects.

I went and took some photos in Leeds one night, focussing on lines to do with light, as against the dark it would make an interesting contrast, and using slow shutter speeds I can exaggerate this, and show the actual light in lines.

I am really pleased with these images, and think the lights combined with some of the perspective angles have created some really interesting images. I like the second image on the first contact sheet, as the blue and orangey tinge work well together as they are complementary colours, but I like the vertical light of the zebra crossing combined with the horizontal light of the car coming around the corner.

I then decided to do a day shoot, and thought for my final photo book I could combine the two sets of photos, to show the many visual differences of night and day. I did not feel that these were as effective, one reason for this I believe is due to the lighting of the day, as it was very overcast, which is never as aesthetically pleasing, as on a bright sunny day. My day photos in London are much better.

I do like the ones of the train lines, with all the different lines, especially the images of the platform and the overheard cables. It was interesting experimenting with composition.